CVE-2005-0691 in SocialMPN
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in article mode for modules.php in SocialMPN allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the name parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0691 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SocialMPN web application's modules.php script. This security weakness specifically affects the article mode functionality and demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability resides in how the application processes user input through the name parameter, which is used to determine which module to load for article display purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the name parameter to reference a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. When the SocialMPN application processes this parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before including the specified file, creating an opportunity for remote code execution. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing inadequate control of generation of code, where untrusted input is used to construct code that gets executed. The vulnerability exists because the application uses dynamic file inclusion without proper input validation, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the server.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers can leverage this to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or perform further attacks on the internal network. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data compromise, and system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can execute shell commands through the PHP code execution capability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0691 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should disable the dangerous allow_url_include directive in PHP configuration and ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist of allowed module names, using absolute paths for file inclusion operations, and employing proper input validation techniques to prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that removes the vulnerable code path, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the vulnerable application. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code releases. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from injection attacks.